2015 Annual Day of Service Video

Recognizing that creating better communities requires more than simply designing good buildings, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple implemented a skills-based service program to benefit local community organizations. Structured in the same vein as the 1%-a pro-bono design oriented program established in 2005 by Los Angeles-based Public Architecture-the Day of Service united design and civic leadership to analyze and address social and urban inequality with the power of good design.

This year the firm was joined by two additional members of the A/E/C industry: Harmon Engineering, LLC and Dading, Marques & Associates of Metairie, LA. Both firms generously donated their own time and professional engineering and surveying services to assist in one particular effort in Mid-City.

“As architects committed to the civic realm and a sustainable future, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple donates its time and talent to numerous initiatives that advocate for quality in the design of our built environment, says Director of Design and firm Partner, Steve Dumez, FAIA. Adding: “this is a tradition we have proudly committed ourselves to for the last 25 years and we’re thrilled to be joined by such outstanding local partners.”

This year the studio worked with the following organizations to support community health, youth, education, and the arts. They include:

The ReFresh Coalition

The Live Oak Wilderness Camp

Youth Rebuilding New Orleans

The Arts Council of New Orleans

Through intensive, day-long charrettes, each team—comprising representation from Marketing to Administration; Designer to New Hire—participated in the collaborative event tailored to each organization’s particular challenge.

“If every architecture professional in the U.S. committed 1% of their time to pro bono service, it would add up to 5,000,000 hours annually—the equivalent of a 2,500-person firm, working full-time for the public good,” says event organizer and 2015 Eskew+Dumez+Ripple Research Fellow, Nicole Joslin. She adds: “this is a great opportunity to work with our friends and neighbors to improve and positively impact the lives of so many living in New Orleans.”